Optical Transmitters for Low‐Cost Broadband Transport

The aim of this chapter is to describe the design and performance of semiconductor optical transmitter components developed specifically for the RoF distribution network of the FUTON project. It begins with an introduction to the devices performances requirements for RoF applications. The design, including the active layer and the waveguide structure optimization, of directly modulated semiconductor laser and reflective semiconductor optical amplifier are then described. Subsequently, the performance of both devices, commencing with the modulation and noise characteristics, and then examining the linearity and system performance is presented. Finally, conclusions and comparisons on the design and performance of both devices are given.